AbstractOBJECTIVETo compare the results from an initial negative human papillomavirus (HPV) test with re-screening after 3 years in women attending two HPV-based screening programmes.

DESIGNPopulation-based cohort study.

SETTINGTwo cervical service screening programmes in Italy.

POPULATIONWomen aged 25–64 years invited to screening from April 2009 to October 2015.

METHODSEligible women were invited to undergo an HPV test. Those with a negative HPV test went on to the next screening round 3 years later. Cytology triage was performed for HPV+ (HPV by Hybrid Capture 2) samples, with immediate colposcopy (if abnormal) and HPV re-testing 1 year later (if negative).